If you weren’t already aware, a Squid Game wallpaper paper app was recently banned by Google from Google Play Store. The “Squid Game Wallpaper 4K HD” app was reportedly spreading notorious Joker malware that is capable of stealing user data. According to the ESET researcher Lukas Stefanko, the app could download and execute native libraries and APK payloads and even execute malicious apps on the target devices. He further revealed that the malicious app allowed hackers to carry “malicious ad-fraud and/or unwanted SMS subscription actions”. Also Read - Beware! this Squid game app can play off with your data
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Squid Game themed Android Joker Also Read - Garena Free Fire gets Squid Game inspired Red Light, Green Light mode: How to play
1) downloads and executes native lib
2) native lib downloads and executes apk payloadRunning this app on device might result in malicious ad-fraud and/or unwanted SMS subscription actionshttps://t.co/PTDtPlUkBy pic.twitter.com/AFs8gkEuab
— Lukas Stefanko (@LukasStefanko) October 19, 2021
The Joker malware is not something new. It usually spreads via ordinary-looking apps. The malware automatically gets initiated as soon as the app is launched. This malware subscribes to paid services and steals the banking information of the users without their knowledge.
How to stay safe from Joker malware?
- Always steer clear of the unofficial apps and avoid downloading them. Notably, this Squid Game wallpaper app was downloaded more than 5,000 times. It is advised that users should always read the reviews on the Play Store before downloading any app.
- In case, users want to download wallpapers, they should download Google Images or stock photo images from websites like Shutterstock and Pexel instead of downloading apps to get wallpapers.
- Using anti-malware on smartphones also goes a long way!
According to the researcher, several developers are creating unofficial apps to make a quick buck and hence it is really important to check for their authenticity before downloading them. He revealed that more than 200 Squid Games apps are now available on the Google Play Store right now.
Over 200 #SquidGame related apps are available on Google Play
Seems like a great opportunity to make money on in-app ads from one of the most popular TV show without official game.
The most downloaded of them reached 1M installs in 10 days. Its game play is not that well handled pic.twitter.com/gCOYXXaVHY— Lukas Stefanko (@LukasStefanko) October 19, 2021
